George Frederick Handel

George Frideric Handel (February 23, 1685 – April 14, 1759) was a German-born English Baroque composer who is best known for his operas, oratorios, anthems, and organ concertos. He is considered one of the greatest composers of his era.

Handel was born in Halle, Germany, to a family of musicians. He showed an early aptitude for music and began composing at a young age. In 1702, he enrolled at the University of Halle to study law, but he soon dropped out to pursue a career in music.

In 1703, Handel moved to Hamburg, where he worked as a violinist and composer. He also began to compose operas, and his first opera, Almira, was premiered in 1705. In 1710, Handel moved to London, where he became one of the most successful composers of his time. He wrote over 40 operas for the London stage, including Rinaldo (1711), Giulio Cesare (1724), and Messiah (1742).

Handel's operas were popular with audiences, but they were also expensive to produce. In 1728, Handel's company went bankrupt, and he was forced to declare bankruptcy himself. However, he quickly recovered, and he continued to write and produce operas for the London stage.

In the 1730s, Handel began to focus on writing oratorios, which were religious works that were performed without costumes or scenery. His most famous oratorio is Messiah, which was first performed in 1742. Messiah is one of the most popular and performed works of classical music in the world.

Handel continued to compose and perform until his death in 1759. He is buried in Westminster Abbey, and his grave is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London.

Handel's music is characterized by its rich melodies, its dramatic orchestration, and its use of counterpoint. His operas are full of drama and excitement, and his oratorios are both beautiful and uplifting. Handel was a master of melody, harmony, and counterpoint, and his music is still enjoyed by audiences today.